Basics on Public Health, Covers what types of essential services that are provided, defines areas simply and easily to understand. Perfect for an introductory lesson for a middle school health class. Covers Emergency services, core concepts, implementation, management, and how to apply it to practical use. Provides a solid foundation to expand on various concepts and topics. Great for new health teachers or physical education teachers who are establishing a core understanding of areas to focus more on with our students. Questions to be addressed: What is public health? What is a public health system? Why take a public health approach? Can public health make a difference?

1. The Basics of Public Health
Brenda M. Joly, PhD
Maine Center for Public Health

2. Overview
• Format
• Questions to be addressed:
– What is public health?
– What is a public health system?
– Why take a public health approach?
– Can public health make a difference?

3. Learner Objectives
• By the end of this presentation,
participants will be able to…
1. Define public health
2. List the determinants of health
3. Identify one example of local or state
public health practice

4. What is Public Health?
• Definitions vary
• Key terms
– Population health
– Prevention

5. Public Health in the US
~Vision~
Healthy People in Healthy Communities
~Mission~
Promote physical and mental health
and
Prevent disease, injury, disability

6. Public Health…
• Prevents epidemics and the spread
of disease
• Protects against environmental
hazards
• Responds to disasters and assists
communities in recovery

7. Public Health…
• Prevents injuries
• Promotes healthy behaviors
• Assures the quality and
accessibility of health services

8. A Public Health System
• Who?
– Public entities
– Private entities
– Voluntary entities
• What?
– A network

9. The Public Health System
MCOs
Home Health
Parks
Economic
Development
Mass Transit
Employers
Nursing
Homes
Mental
Health
Drug
Treatment
Civic Groups
CHCs
Laboratory
Facilities
Hospitals
EMS Community
Centers
Doctors
Health
Department
Churches
Philanthropist
Elected
Officials
Tribal Health
Schools
Police
Fire
Corrections
Environmental
Health

10. Workforce
• Diverse and Multidisciplinary
• Examples…
 Biostatisticians
 Dieticians
 Environmental Health Specialists
 Behavioral Health Specialists

11. Core Components
ASSESSMENT
of the health of
the community
ASSURANCE
of the public’s
health
POLICY
DEVELOPMENT
in the public’s
interest

12. 10 Essential Services
1. Monitor health status
to identify community
health problems
2. Diagnose and investigate
health problems and health
hazards in the community

13. 10 Essential Services
3. Inform, educate, and
empower people about
health issues
4. Mobilize community partnerships
to identify and solve
health problems

14. 10 Essential Services
5. Develop policies and
plans that support
health efforts
6. Enforce laws and regulations that
protect health and
ensure safety

15. 10 Essential Services
7. Link people to personnel
health services and
assure the provision of
health care
8. Assure a competent public health
and health care
workforce

16. 10 Essential Services
9. Evaluate the effectiveness,
accessibility, and quality
of services
10. Research for new insights and
innovative solutions to
health problems

17. Public Health Approach
Public Health
Model
Medical
Model
Versus

18. Determinants of Health

19. Determinants of Health
• Genetic
• Behavioral
• Social
• Environmental
• Personal
health care

20. Achievements
• Vaccination
• Safer Workplaces
• Safer & Healthier Food
• Motor Vehicle Safety

21. Achievements
• Control of Infectious
Diseases
• Family Planning
• Decline in Deaths from
Heart Disease & Stroke

22. Achievements
• Recognition of Tobacco
Use as a Health Hazard
• Healthier Mothers
and Babies
• Fluoridation of Drinking
Water